[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KTAE 130333
HLSTAE
ALZ065>069-FLZ007>019-026>029-034-108-112-114-115-118-127-128-134-GAZ142>147-155>160-131145-

Tropical Storm Sally Local Statement Advisory Number 6
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL  AL192020
1133 PM EDT Sat Sep 12 2020 /1033 PM CDT Sat Sep 12 2020/

This product covers eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia

**SALLY EXPECTED TO STRENGTHEN OVER THE GULF OF MEXICO**

NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Bay, Coastal
      Franklin, Coastal Gulf, and South Walton

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 310 miles south-southeast of Panama City or about 270
      miles south-southeast of Apalachicola
    - 26.3N 82.9W
    - Storm Intensity 40 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 285 degrees at 8 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

Tropical Storm Sally was located off the coast of southwest Florida and
is expected to continue it's WNW motion as it approaches the central Gulf
coast early this week. While the center of the system is forecast to remain
west of the region, multiple impacts are still expected to the area. The main
focus in terms of hazards will be the heavy rain expected across the Florida
Panhandle and portions of the Big Bend as Tropical Storm Sally is a slow
moving storm. Rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches across the Panhandle and the western
areas of the Big Bend are possible with isolated higher amounts.

In addition, there is the potential for tropical storm force winds and gusts, but
this will be confined to the marine area and the immediate coast. Tornadoes will
be possible in some of the outer bands Sunday and Monday. Storm surge of 1 to 3
feet of inundation along the coast will also be possible.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across the Florida Panhandle and portions of the Big Bend.
Potential impacts include:
    - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter
      currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially
      in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, and ditches
      overflow.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
      Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid
      inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as
      storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions
      become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.

Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across the eastern Big Bend, southeast Alabama and
southwest Georgia.

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the
immediate Florida Panhandle and western Florida Panhandle coast.
Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
      mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
    - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
      uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
      shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
      bridges and other elevated roadways.
    - Scattered power and communications outages.

Elsewhere across the interior Florida panhandle, interior Florida Big Bend
and eastern coastal areas, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia,
little to no impact is anticipated.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across the Florida
Panhandle and western Florida Big Bend. Potential impacts include:
    - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power
      and communications disruptions.
    - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys
      toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned,
      large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees
      knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats
      pulled from moorings.

Elsewhere across the eastern Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama
and southwestern Georgia, little to no impact is anticipated.

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend coast. Potential impacts in this area
include:
    - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
      immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
      farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
    - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread
      with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where
      surge water covers the road.
    - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly
      in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
    - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
      and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local official for recommended
preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to
evacuate, do so immediately.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your
home or business.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging
wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the
center of the storm.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the Gulf of Mexico or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or
poor drainage area, or near an already swollen river, plan to move to
safe shelter on higher ground.

If you are a visitor, know the name of the county in which you are
located and where it is relative to current watches and warnings. If
staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their onsite
disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially pertaining to
area visitors.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news
outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes
to the forecast.

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Tallahassee FL around 6 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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